The Duce Raymond Podcast

How Filipino Flavors Are Shaping Backyard BBQ & More with @tftibbq 's Tony Ramirez

Duce Raymond Season 2 Episode 7

#bbq #podcast #pitmaster 

In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Tony Ramirez of TFTI BBQ to dive into his meteoric rise in the BBQ world—from viral salmon videos to launching his own rub line and announcing his first cookbook. They explore what it’s like becoming recognizable online, building relationships with major brands like Miller Lite and Royal Oak, and turning a passion for backyard cooking into a full-time career. Tony opens up about the emotional story behind his book, the influence of his late mother, and his plans to move to Texas to grow his brand. The two talk shop on creating content for YouTube vs. short-form, attending epic BBQ events like the Texas Open Fire Meetup and Smoke Slam, and the importance of community over competition in the BBQ scene. They also share stories about family, legacy, and Duce’s upcoming BBQ brand and restaurant, Duce’s Wild, born out of the Sweet Baby Ray’s legacy. Whether you’re a BBQ fan, content creator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to grow a brand that stays true to its roots.

00:00 - How TFTI BBQ Got Started
5:57 - The Flavors That Raised Tony Ramirez
8:13 - What Filipino BBQ Means to Me
11:17 - When BBQ Content Became a Career
14:09 - When Backyard BBQ Turned Into Fame
19:49 - The Journey Behind Tony’s Cookbook
27:14 -  Inside the Texas Open Fire Meetup
32:47 - How TFTI BBQ Built Strategic Partnerships
36:33 - Tony’s Cajun Honey Rub
38:27 - Why Every BBQ Creator Needs a Website 
40:57 - Why YouTube Is a Beast
45:18 - Why Texas Is the Capital of BBQ
49:11 - BTS of the 49ers BBQ Party
52:52 - The Origin of Sweet Baby Ray’s
58:02 - Wrapping Up with Tony

Follow Tony Ramirez on Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfti.bbq/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFTI.BBQ 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tfti.bbq?invite=0 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tfti.bbq 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5dl6yLxCrBWKuSjaUNFUDA 
Website: https://tftibbq.com/
Tony’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-BBQ-TFTI-Filipino-Inspired/dp/0760394520/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?tag=lnk0001-20&_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i1PYKT3u_To5MDHxrIStvw.ndItns9FZAF2bZ5msULMng31EZdTw82S_tEq7Z8eliI&qid=1723652728&sr=1-1&geniuslink=true  

Follow Us on Social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/   
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering    
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true     
Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/